Perceptions of Corporate Social Responsibility of Prominent Fast Food Establishments by University Students

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can affect the way customers perceive a company and can influence product differentiation. This study assesses university students’ perceptions of CSR across eleven prominent fast food restaurants. A total of 550 students responded to in-person surveys administered on the campus of Purdue University. Chipotle and Panera Bread were perceived to be the most socially responsible out of the fast food restaurants studied, receiving mean preference shares of 31% and 30%, respectively.